To His Coy Mistress-Marvell

Question 1

What are the key structural methods used in To HIs Coy Mistress?

Answer 1

• 3 point argument of hypothesis (If we had time), anti-hypothesis (but we don’t have time) and solution (we shouldn’t wait)
• Weaker rhyme of ‘ye’ and ‘eternity’ to reflect tension and uncertainty of the lack of time

Question 2

What are the key language methods used in To His Coy Mistress?

Answer 2

• Personification of Time
• Mocking of blazon and courtly love
• Gothic dystopia (modern perspective)
• Sexual imagery

Question 3

Which quotes support the method of: personification of time?

Answer 3

“Times winged Charriot hurrying near”
“our Time devour”

Question 4

Which quotes support the method of: blazon/ mocking courtly love?

Answer 4

“An hundred years shall go to praise Thine Eyes”
“Love you ten years before the flood”

Question 5

Which quotes support the method of: gothic dystopia?

Answer 5

“Worms shall try that long preserv’d Virginity”
“Your quaint Honour turn to dust”

Question 6

Which quotes support the method of: sexual imagery?

Answer 6

“like am’rous birds of prey”
“roll” “tear our Pleasures with rough strife/ Through the Iron gates of life”

Question 7

What literary era is To His Coy Mistress from?

Answer 7

Metaphysical/early cavalier

Question 8

What is the key contextual information for To His Coy Mistress?

Answer 8

• Rise of Puritanism- cavaliers reacted with self-indulgent and ‘immoral’ attitudes
• English Civil War
• Carpe Diem (seize the day)

Question 9

What are the key themes in To His Coy Mistress?

Answer 9

• Sexual love
• Love and Time
• Barriers to love
• Carpe Diem/ Momento Mori
• Seduction and Persuasion
• Unrequited love